Robert A. Musiala

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FinCEN Proposed Rule Halted, Exchanges and Banks Expand Crypto Products, SEC Brings Action Against Token Issuer, Crypto Threat Reports Published

In this issue: • Exchanges and Banks Expand Cryptocurrency Services and Products • FinCEN Proposed Rule Halted, Banks and Crypto Exchanges Adjust Policies • SEC Brings Action Against SAFT and Token Issuer, Related Statement Published • Reports Provide Details on Criminal Activities Involving Cryptocurrencies Exchanges and Banks Expand Cryptocurrency Services and Products By: Jordan R. … Continue Reading

Crypto Trust to Become Bank, FinCEN Comment Period Extended, Navy Awards Blockchain Contract, Dark Market Seized, Illicit Exchange Owner Sentenced

By Veronica Reynolds, Jordan R. Silversmith, Robert A. Musiala and Teresa Goody Guillén on January 15, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement

In this issue: • Crypto Trust to Convert to Bank, FinCEN Extends New Rule Comment Period • Bitcoin Firms List on Public Markets, Japan Diverges from SEC on XRP Status • Navy Contracts for Blockchain Solution, SSI Report and Market Data Published • Enforcement Actions Target Dark Web Market and Illicit Crypto Exchange Crypto Trust … Continue Reading

FinCEN Proposes New Crypto Record-Keeping Rules; SEC and CFTC Issue Digital Asset Guidance; SEC Closes 2020 With Multiple Enforcement Actions Against Blockchain Firms

By Robert A. Musiala on January 5, 2021 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement

In this issue: • FinCEN Proposed Rule Creates New Cryptocurrency Record-Keeping Requirements • SEC Issues Statement on Digital Asset Custody, CFTC Issues Digital Assets Primer • SEC Closes 2020 With Multiple Blockchain Industry Enforcement Actions FinCEN Proposed Rule Creates New Cryptocurrency Record-Keeping Requirements By: Robert A. Musiala Jr. On Dec. 18, 2020, the Financial Crimes … Continue Reading

Canadian Ether Fund Launches, Swiss Bank Tokenizes Shares, Crypto Regulation Evolves in UK, Estonia and Germany; Blockchain Solutions Launch for Wine, Royalties, Clothing

By Joanna F. Wasick, Robert A. Musiala and Jordan R. Silversmith on December 18, 2020 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Canadian Ether Fund Launches, Swiss Bank Tokenizes Shares, New German Law Passed • Blockchain Solutions Launch in Wine, Royalties Management and Clothing Industries • UK and Estonia Take Diverging Approaches to Crypto Registration, Dark Market Seized Canadian Ether Fund Launches, Swiss Bank Tokenizes Shares, New German Law Passed By: Joanna F. … Continue Reading

Telegram: Deconstructing One of the Biggest Blockchain Cases of 2020

By Robert A. Musiala, John Harrington, Teresa Goody Guillén, Adam Gale, Jonathan A. Forman and Veronica Reynolds on December 14, 2020 Posted in Blockchain

The Telegram case is arguably the most important case of 2020 involving the legal classification of blockchain-based digital assets. Because it is often cost-prohibitive for companies to challenge the government in court, the Telegram litigation offered a unique opportunity for the parties to present arguments on several complex legal issues. Given the lack of judicial … Continue Reading

Traditional and Crypto Firms Across Globe Launch New Initiatives, UN Designs Blockchain Land Registry, Privacy Wallets Spark Debate, Crypto Enforcement Continues

By Veronica Reynolds, Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Marc Powers and Teresa Goody Guillén on December 11, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Tax

In this issue: • Cryptocurrency Firms and Legacy Financial Instituadingtions Worldwide Make Crypto Moves • Traditional and Crypto Firms Partner to Launch Tokenized Stocks and Other Products • UN Designs Blockchain Land Registry; Solutions Address Supply Chain, Energy Efficiency • Crypto Privacy Wallets Spark Debate, Blockstack Says STX Will Shed Security Status • U.S. and … Continue Reading

US Credit Card Company to Integrate USDC, SEC No-Action Letter Addresses ERC20 Token, Tax Bodies Address Crypto, US and State Enforcement Continues

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala and Joanna F. Wasick on December 4, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Credit Card Company to Integrate USDC Payments, 401(k) Advisor Integrates Bitcoin • SEC Issues No-Action Letter on Digital Assets, Second Addresses ERC20 Token • FinHub Role Expands, Foreign IPO and Lending Service Integrates Crypto • Tax Bodies Address Cryptocurrencies, Exchanges React to Evolving Landscape • US and State Enforcement Agencies Take … Continue Reading

New Crypto Payment Services Launch; Blockchain Pilots Announced for Agriculture, Textile, Seafood Supply Chains; DeFi Project Hacked for $7 Million

By Joanna F. Wasick, Robert A. Musiala and Jordan R. Silversmith on November 20, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • New Crypto Payment Services Launch, Bitcoin ATM Firm Asserts Patent Rights • Blockchain Pilots Announced in the Agricultural, Textile and Seafood Industries • Spanish Police Target Crypto Front Company, DeFi Project Hacked for $7 Million New Crypto Payment Services Launch, Bitcoin ATM Firm Asserts Patent Rights By: Joanna F. Wasick Late … Continue Reading

Podcast: BakerHostetler Blockchain University: What You Need to Know About the Most Common Blockchain Networks

By Robert A. Musiala and Jordan R. Silversmith on November 19, 2020 Posted in Blockchain

The third episode in the series focuses on the differences and similarities between the Ethereum Network, HyperLedger, and other key blockchain networks. Topics discussed include smart contracts, public versus private blockchains, distributed autonomous organizations (DAOs), blockchain “forks” and more. Questions & Comments: rmusiala@bakerlaw.com, jsilversmith@bakerlaw.com Listen to the episode. Download Episode Transcript Subscribe to BakerHosts Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | iHeartRadio | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn… Continue Reading

Ethereum Upgrade and Blockchain Identity Solutions Progress, SEC Addresses Digital Asset Custody, Data Published on ICO Penalties and Crypto Crimes

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Robert A. Musiala and Veronica Reynolds on November 13, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, ICOs

In this issue: • Ethereum 2.0 Moves Closer to Launch, Blockchain Identity Solutions Announced • SEC Addresses Digital Asset Custody, Crypto Firms Achieve Licenses/Certs • Crypto Fraudster Sentenced, Data on ICO Penalties and Crypto Crimes Published Ethereum 2.0 Moves Closer to Launch, Blockchain Identity Solutions Announced By Jordan R. Silversmith After having launched last week, … Continue Reading

US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman Islands Announces VASP Regulations, Enterprise Developments in Telecom and Transport, DOJ Seizes $1 Billion in Bitcoin

By Joanna F. Wasick, Robert A. Musiala and Jordan R. Silversmith on November 6, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List in Canada • Blockchain Developments in Telecommunications, Transportation and Digital Identity • DOJ Seizes $1 Billion in Bitcoin from Silk Road, DOJ and CFTC Prosecute Crypto Fraud US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List … Continue Reading

US Bank Crypto Services Proceed, Crypto Debit Cards Launch in US and Mexico, Blockchain Enterprise Developments, and Crypto Enforcement Continues

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on October 30, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • US Bank and Trust Companies Move Forward with Cryptocurrency Services • Cryptocurrency Debit Cards Launch in the United States and Mexico • Blockchain Developments in Protocols, Healthcare, Copyrights, E-Signatures, IoT • Enforcement Actions Target Crypto SIM Swapping and Ponzi Schemes US Bank and Trust Companies Move Forward with Cryptocurrency Services By: … Continue Reading

Major U.S. Firm Offers Cryptocurrency Services, Blockchain Solutions Launch Across Industries, CFTC Issues Crypto Guidance, FinCEN Fines Tumbler Service

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Joanna F. Wasick on October 23, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Supply Chain

In this issue: • Major U.S. Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Service as Adoption Grows • Blockchain Supply Chain, Copyright and Satellite Comms Solutions Launch • CFTC Guidance Addresses Crypto Deposits, Travel Rule White Paper Published • Arrests Target Criminal Network Using Crypto, FinCEN Fines Tumbler Operator Major U.S. Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Service as Adoption … Continue Reading

DOJ and IRS May Soon Begin Enforcement Actions Against Virtual Currency Tax Fraudsters

By John J. Carney, Andrew Serrao, Robert A. Musiala, Jeffrey H. Paravano and Nicholas C. Mowbray on October 22, 2020 Posted in Tax

In the past several years, the use and prevalence of virtual currency have increased exponentially. The proliferation of digital assets has changed the way goods and services are exchanged and has allowed for faster and cheaper transactions. But with this new technology comes the increased risk of fraudulent activity – especially tax fraud. Recently, the … Continue Reading

BakerHostetler Blockchain University: Podcast Series

By Robert A. Musiala on October 19, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain

What is Blockchain and Why Should I Care? Blockchain technology is widely anticipated to disrupt major industries and business operations over the next several years. But with all of the “hype” in the blockchain market, at times it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction and identify the real value in this new technology. … Continue Reading

US Firms Invest in Bitcoin; Blockchain Consortia Expand; Industry and Regulators Address Tech Standards, CBDCs, Crypto Investments, Enforcement, Stablecoins, Taxes

By Joanna F. Wasick, Jordan R. Silversmith and Robert A. Musiala on October 16, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Tax

In this issue • Fintech Firm Brings $50 Million BTC on to Balance Sheet, Major CBDC Report Published • US Firms Announce Crypto Investment Initiatives, Crypto Fundraising Report Published • Blockchain Consortia Expand, Reports Detail Blockchain Standards and Economic Impact • US and Foreign Guidance Addresses Crypto Enforcement, Stablecoins, Taxes and More Fintech Firm Brings … Continue Reading

SEC Wins Case Against Kik and Adds Precedent for Digital Assets

By Adam Gale, Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala and Jonathan A. Forman on October 12, 2020 Posted in Securities & Exchange Commission

On Sept. 30, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) motion for sum mary judgment against Kik Interactive Inc. (Kik) and denied Kik’s cross-motion for summary judgment. As we previously reported, the SEC challenged Kik’s compliance with the federal securities laws in … Continue Reading

Blockchain and Crypto Initiatives Launch in Foreign Markets, Guidance Issued on Ransomware and Crypto Derivatives, DOJ Indictment Alleges Crypto Tax Evasion

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Jordan R. Silversmith on October 9, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Ransomware

In this issue: • Crypto Initiatives Launched by Foreign Banks, Exchanges, Apps, Gaming Firms • New Guidance on Ransomware, Crypto Derivatives; Crypto Tax Report Published • DOJ Charges Allege Crypto Tax Evasion, Interpol Cites Crypto Privacy Threats Crypto Initiatives Launched by Foreign Banks, Exchanges, Apps, Gaming Firms By: Robert A. Musiala Jr. According to a … Continue Reading

Crypto Study Published, Bahamas To Launch CBDC, New Ethereum Solutions Announced, ATS Settlement Process Approved, SEC Defeats Kik, Singapore Exchange Hacked

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on October 2, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Cryptoasset Study Published, Bahamas Launches CBDC, Zcash Service Announced • Ethereum Enterprise Solutions Announced, US Air Force Expands Blockchain Initiative • SEC Approves Digital Asset Settlement Process, Crypto Brokerage Registers in Canada • Court Rules in Favor of SEC in Kik Case, SEC Settles with Two More ICO Issuers • CFTC … Continue Reading

OCC Clarifies Status of Stablecoins, US Agencies Procure Blockchain Applications, Solutions Launch on Hedera Hashgraph and VeChain, DOJ Targets Darknet Markets

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Joanna F. Wasick, Veronica Reynolds and Robert A. Musiala on September 25, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Food Supply Chain, Supply Chain

In this issue: • OCC Clarifies Status of Stablecoins, Registration Statement Filed for Network Token • US Government Procures Blockchain Solutions, Blockchain Patent Study Published • Hedera Hashgraph Transactions Pass Ethereum, VeChain Supports Food Traceability • DOJ Announces Major Enforcement Action Against Darknet Markets OCC Clarifies Status of Stablecoins, Registration Statement Filed for Network Token … Continue Reading

U.S. Crypto Exchange Approved as Wyoming Bank; Firms Integrate Blockchain for Data Management; Multiple Enforcement Actions by Treasury, SEC, DOJ and CFTC

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Marc Powers on September 18, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • U.S. Crypto Exchange Approved as Wyoming Bank, MSB Regulations to be Simplified • Auto, Mining and Financial Firms Integrate Blockchain for Data Management • OFAC, DOJ, IRS and FATF Take Various Actions Against Cryptocurrency Crimes • SEC Charges ICO Issuers, DOJ and CFTC Charge Defendants in Crypto Fraud Schemes • DOJ, … Continue Reading

CBDC Test Platform Launches, Crypto Adoption Report Published; Air Force Awards Contract to Study Blockchain Applications; Past Bitcoin Code Vulnerabilities Disclosed

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on September 11, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • CBDC Testing Platform Launches, Crypto Adoption and Bitcoin Payment Options Grow • Air Force Awards Contract to Study Blockchain, Retailer Reports Successful Invoice Pilot • Hackers Demand $4 Million Bitcoin Ransom, Past Bitcoin Code Vulnerabilities Disclosed CBDC Testing Platform Launches, Crypto Adoption and Bitcoin Payment Options Grow By: Robert A. Musiala … Continue Reading

IRS Addresses Crypto Micropayments, Blockchain Shipping Platforms Expand, DOJ Ties North Korea Crypto Hacks to Chinese Traders, FBI Thwarts Plot Involving Bitcoin Bribe

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén and Jordan R. Silversmith on September 4, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In This Issue: • IRS Addresses Taxing Crypto Received in Microtasks, Swiss Enable Crypto Payments • Blockchain Shipping Platforms TradeLens and ShipChain Expand Networks • North Korean Crypto Hacks Laundered by Chinese; Crypto Compliance Tools Launch • FBI Thwarts Plot Tied to Bitcoin Bribe, Ethereum Classic Suffers 51% Attack IRS Addresses Taxing Crypto Received in … Continue Reading

IPO Using ERC20 Tokens Approved, Report Details APAC Bitcoin Trading Data, Quorum Is Sold/Acquired, Blockchain Initiatives for Coffee and NASA, Crypto Crimes Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on August 28, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Blockchain Used in IPO and ATS, Bitcoin Fund Announced, APAC Trade Data Published • Quorum Acquisition Announced, Blockchain Initiatives Launch for Coffee and NASA • Crypto Crimes Continue in Ransomware, Fraud, Wash Trading and Tax Evasion Schemes Blockchain Used in IPO and ATS, Bitcoin Fund Announced, APAC Trade Data Published By: … Continue Reading